FT News Briefing

Former special counsel Robert Mueller highlights the looming threat of Russian interference in U.S. elections. Facebook faces an antitrust investigation by the FTC, stirring concerns over corporate accountability. Tesla reveals deeper-than-expected losses, putting its profit margins under scrutiny. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson promises to deliver Brexit within 99 days, signaling a pivotal moment in political history. These discussions blend finance and politics, revealing the interconnectedness of industry and governance.

Boris Johnson ascends as UK Prime Minister, marking a significant political shift. The US Department of Justice dives into Big Tech's market dominance, stirring debates on competition. Meanwhile, officials gear up for trade talks with China to boost relations. Snap surprises with higher revenue and user growth, while WeWork hints at a public listing by September. A whirlwind of political and economic updates that shape the landscape!

The U.S. reaches a critical agreement to raise its borrowing limit, avoiding a default ahead of the next election. Donald Trump promises tech companies expedited support for Huawei amidst trade tensions. Washington imposes sanctions on a major Chinese oil firm for trading Iranian crude. Meanwhile, Starbucks invests in a restaurant tech startup. Boris Johnson emerges as a frontrunner for UK Prime Minister, but faces significant challenges in leadership decisions and a tumultuous Brexit strategy.

Protests in Hong Kong escalate as demonstrators target government offices, highlighting rising tensions with China. Meanwhile, the UK's defense minister addresses the Iranian seizure of a British tanker. In Ukraine, early results show President Zelensky's party gaining ground, and Japan sees Prime Minister Abe's coalition secure a clear majority. Colombia is making waves in the cannabis industry, attracting investment with its ideal growing conditions, while grappling with challenges faced by small farmers amidst safety concerns.

Tensions escalate as the U.S. Navy takes action against an Iranian drone, raising the stakes in regional conflicts. Boeing faces a massive $4.9 billion charge linked to its troubled 737 MAX. Meanwhile, Microsoft thrives with remarkable growth powered by its cloud business. In the world of finance, private equity is set for a record-breaking year. Additionally, WeWork's founder makes headlines with his share sales as the company preps for its IPO.

Netflix's disappointing subscriber growth casts a shadow over its stock value. G7 finance ministers are grappling with taxing Big Tech amid rising geopolitical tensions, especially after the U.S. expels Turkey from the F-35 program. The call for a global minimum corporate tax highlights the struggle between large corporations and smaller businesses. Meanwhile, the railroad industry is feeling the pinch, as economic uncertainties lead to drops in share value, and investors watch eagerly for forthcoming earnings reports.

US banks face challenges as lower interest rates squeeze their lending margins. Ursula von der Leyen narrowly gains parliamentary support as Europe’s first female Commission president. United Airlines boosts its financial outlook despite setbacks from grounding its 737 Max fleet. Meanwhile, Big Tech faces intense scrutiny in Washington, particularly regarding cryptocurrency plans and data privacy issues, as lawmakers ramp up their questions about trust and regulatory compliance.

Democratic congresswomen label Trump’s comments as a distraction amid rising tensions. The U.S. Treasury raises red flags over Facebook's cryptocurrency plans, urging caution. Jeffrey Epstein finds himself in legal hot water as he reveals his assets. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s approach to dissidents is evolving, aiming for a softer stance following Khashoggi’s murder, even as reform efforts clash with repression. The podcast dives into the unfolding narrative of political maneuvering and social dynamics.

The acting IMF chief is advocating for a monetary stimulus, hinting at major shifts from top central banks. Warner Music continues to expand its reach with the acquisition of First Night Records. Investors are anxiously awaiting results from U.S. banks, facing concerns over profit drops and the implications of lower interest rates. Insights emerge on how bank executives' tone in earnings calls will shape market perceptions. It's a time of strategic moves amid economic pressures that could affect investment strategies.

An executive order aims to gather data on U.S. citizenship, sparking debate on privacy and governance. Boeing announces leadership changes amidst struggles with its 737 program, raising questions about its future. Meanwhile, the Chinese economy braces for slowdown amid trade tensions, with significant growth figures forthcoming. The opioid crisis looms large as Reckitt Benckiser faces a massive settlement, hinting at broader implications for drug manufacturers.